From Alabama to New York, progressives in the United States are trying to figure out how to navigate the political landscape in the Trump era. Dr. Christina Greer of Fordham University joins us to talk about the electoral and policy strategies and goals of the progressive movement, and the role of the Democratic party. We also touch on national security in light of the bombing at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and the race for New York City council speaker.

As the CEO of Win (Women in Need), Christine Quinn is concerned about the impact the pending federal tax bill will have on the families her organization serves. The former city council speaker joins the Slant podcast to talk about how the current political climate is impacting her nonprofit. She also gives her candid take on the state of the national Democratic Party, the race to be the next NYC council speaker, talks to reunite the NYS Senate democrats, and the recent quarrel between current speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and city hall reporters over access to the building’s eastern end.

Ben Kabak is the author of the 2nd Ave. Sagas blog, which chronicles the daily developments and drama of New York City’s transportation system and the MTA. He dropped by the Slant podcast, co-hosted by City & State editor-at-large Gerson Borrero and guest host Jon Lentz, City & State editor-in-chief, to talk about the city’s transit woes. Kabak discussed the appointment of the new president of New York City Transit, Andy Byford, and the likelihood of a congestion pricing plan passing the state legislature.

Kabak also discussed possible activism that could engage politicians, and how Gov. Andrew Cuomo could face some political threats in 2018 based on his handling of the transit crisis.

In part two of our discussion with NY1 reporter Zack Fink, we look into what the next four years will look like for Mayor Bill de Blasio, who declared a mandate for his agenda after his re-election victory. Zack also surveys the 2018 landscape for competitive House races throughout the state and whether Gov. Cuomo will face a competitive primary.

Our intrepid podcast host and opinion and features editor Nick Powell is leaving City & State for Galveston, Texas where he’ll report for the Houston Chronicle. As host, Nick has been instrumental in growing the Slant podcast to what it is now, and we will all surely miss him. In this extra episode, Gerson and Nick reminisce about building the podcast, discuss the state of the media industry, and Nick tells us some of his favorite and not-so-favorite guests. City & State editor-in-chief Jon Lentz also joins the conversation to discuss the future of the podcast.

Producer’s note: The second part of Nick and Gerson’s interview with NY1’s Zack Fink will be posted at the usual time next week and appear in First Read on Tuesday, November 21.

Zack Fink believes the Democratic victories in the election on Nov. 7 could be a sign of things to come. The Albany reporter for NY1 and frequent podcast guest returned to talk about the election results in the city and state, and what it means for the future of the Democratic Party. Zack also previewed the 2018 statewide races and what the 2017 results could mean for potential primary and Republican challengers to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

As Puerto Rico continues to recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Maria, New York lawmakers met for a modified version of the 2017 Somos conference — which was held in Queens this year instead of San Juan.

As part of our coverage of Somos, we sat down with state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to discuss just how difficult a recovery process this will be economically for Puerto Rico. We also talked about what inaction on the federal level means for New York’s budget.

While this year’s normal SOMOS conference was cancelled due to the devastation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, elected officials instead gathered in Queens to discuss the recovery and the path forward for the island.

Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke at the conference, committing New York’s resources to helping Puerto Rico and criticizing the federal response. Cuomo joins us for this podcast to discuss these issues as well as the recent terror attack in lower Manhattan.

J.C. Polanco wants to redefine what it means to be a Republican in New York City. The long-shot candidate for public advocate dropped by the Slant podcast to talk about how he thinks Republican ideas can improve the community, from using charter schools as a tool for desegregation to his voter reform plan. The son of Dominican immigrants, Polanco discussed his complicated relationship with the state party, and how he hopes to inspire greater diversity in the New York GOP.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer tells it like it is. Whether she’s advocating for more women in government, working with residents on rezoning, or acting as Mayor Bill de Blasio’s conscience, Brewer is one of the rare politicians who governs practically, not politically. Brewer stopped by the Slant podcast to talk about her reaction to de Blasio’s new plan for reducing congestion, the negative side effects of term limits in the City Council, and the importance of borough presidents. Brewer also explained why she – probably – won’t run for mayor in 2021.